Havahart Medium 1-Door Humane Catch and Release Animal Trap for Rabbit, Skunk, Mink, and Squirrel - Professional Style Live Catch Trap - 1078SR - Humane Capture and Release

இ ԲμⓏʐᎽ ധƱ௨Ẕყ Rating:ѾѾѾѾѾ Highly recommended with warm fuzzies!Living in a city where the night temperatures regularly dive below freezing every winter, I had squirrels living in my attic for the past two years. Squirrels in the attic can cause a lot of damage by chewing up wood and electrical wiring, as well as using the attic as their cozy insulated toilet room. Chemical repellents and ultrasonic sound noisemakers that supposedly keep squirrels away do not always work. And shooting or poisoning them are cruel and messy methods, especially if the poisoned squirrel quietly dies and rots in my attic. So I decided to trap them using this Havahart cage and then relocate them to various open fields near a large state park.The cage is shipped with a useful instruction sheet, including a list of suggested baits for trapping various animals. For trapping squirrels that live in your attic, you do not need to place this cage trap in the attic. Walking around in unfinished attics can be dangerous since attics can be too hot in the summer or cold in the winter, you can fall through the ceiling by stepping in between joist beams, attics are dusty and dirty, and you can irritate your lungs, eyes, or skin with insulation materials. Just be observant about where the squirrels are roaming around your yard during the daytime. The squirrels may sleep in your attic at night, but they still need to forage for food around your property during the day. Place this cage in the area where you have previously spotted squirrel traffic.For my cage trap, I used a light trigger setting by just placing the tip of the trigger rod under the trap door's cross-rod. If the animal that you are trapping is really light in weight, you may have to take pliers and slightly bend the tip of the trigger rod so it is flat instead being slightly hook-shaped. But I did not need to make any adjustments or modifications to my cage trap to catch tree/gray squirrels. I have trapped both younger tree squirrels that were smaller in size and full-grown adults that were larger in size without needing to adjust the trigger rod. If the animal that you are trying to trap is just taking the bait but walking back out of the cage, you can make the trigger more sensitive by either having the spring-loaded trap door be held open with just the tip of the trigger rod pushing against the door's cross-rod (which is what I did) and/or using pliers to slightly bend the trigger rod into an L-shape, instead of its slight J-hook shape.The key to getting a squirrel to consistently trigger the trap door is to lure the squirrel into entering deep into the cage to eat bait that is placed BEYOND the trigger plate that is on the floor of the cage. This means placing the bait near the end that is opposite from the trap door. As long as the squirrel needs to put at least one foot onto the trigger plate in order to get to the food bait, that is enough to trigger the trap door closure. But you will not trap a squirrel if you place the bait closer to the trap door in front of the trigger plate. I took two plastic jar lids, drilled two holes into each of them, and used some small wires looped through the drilled holes to tie these two improvised food trays to the floor of the cage to use as food containers. I placed one inverted jar lid in front of the trigger plate and one jar lid all the way back at the rear of the cage. Since it is difficult to extend my hand to the very rear of this cage, I used tongs to position the plastic jar lid at the very rear of the cage while I used wire to tie it to the floor of the cage. For the front jar lid, I placed a small "appetizer" nibble of peanut butter and bread. In the rear jar lid that is placed behind the trigger plate, I used tongs to place a larger "main entree" hunk of peanut butter and bread. Squirrels love to eat peanut butter, and the great thing about using peanut butter as a bait is that peanut butter easily sticks onto the two jar-lid food trays that I have tied to the floor of my cage. Bait such as vegetables, cereals, or nuts may roll away or get blown away by wind. After putting the "appetizer" and "main entree" peanut butter bait into the two food trays inside the trap, I then placed the cage outside and rigged the trap door.I have uploaded a photo to the "Customer Images" gallery of this product showing the before-and-after of how the cage looks with the two food trays holding bread and peanut butter, and the squirrel that it trapped within a few hours of being set up.This cage trap is very effective at catching squirrels. This is my first squirrel-trapping experience, and I caught my first squirrel within two hours of setting the trap outside on the first day! You always remember your first... trapped squirrel :-) On the second day, leaving the cage in the same place, I trapped one squirrel (Squirrel #2) in the morning and one squirrel in the afternoon (Squirrel #3). On the third day, a lone squirrel repeatedly approached the cage with caution, but it never stepped inside the cage. Perhaps this squirrel saw the previous three squirrels being trapped inside the cage? I went outside and added more fresh bread and peanut butter to the food that was already in the cage. But the pesky Squirrel #4 refused to take the bait. On the morning of the fourth day, I cut open a kitchen garbage bag along its length to make a plastic sheet that I draped over the entire top of the cage. Covering the entire top of the cage with this white plastic sheet both camouflages the trap and also prevents the peanut butter from getting washed away when it rains. Both ends of the cage are not covered by the plastic and squirrels can still easily smell the peanut butter. I then placed a heavy boot scraper on top of cage to weigh it down and to also hold the plastic sheet cover in place. Placing one or two bricks on top of the cage will also prevent it from wobbling. In my uploaded photo, the boot scraper is molded like a pig; that photo shows Squirrel #2 being caught, before I also added the plastic sheet cover to my setup. I then added more bread and peanut butter to the copious amount that was already inside the cage. Voila! Camouflaging the cage did the trick. Squirrel #4 was trapped a few hours later. So either the squirrel was fooled by the white plastic sheet covering up the cage, or the squirrel finally succumbed to the temptation of the heaping-tablespoon-sized pile of peanut butter that was in the cage. I have trapped more than 13 squirrels within a two-week period just by baiting this cage trap with some peanut butter and bread.If the animal that you are trying to trap is not taking the bait, you may have to experiment with either varying the bait or changing the location of the trap. In my situation, there was one specific tree near the house that the squirrels often climbed up and down, and they would climb up the tree to hop onto my roof and get into my attic. I placed my cage trap near the base of that tree to specifically target the squirrels that were going into my attic. You can likewise place this trap near a tree or vegetable garden where the pests are frequently seen. If you place this trap in the middle of an open lawn area, even though they are naturally very curious animals, squirrels may not want to venture out to it because that exposes them to predators. But putting this cage trap near a tree trunk encourages them to come down and explore the peanut butter aroma coming from the cage. If you place this cage on uneven ground, make sure that soil, mulch, twigs, grass, or plants do not interfere with the operation of the trigger plate and the movement of the trigger rod. If the ground or grass interferes too much with the pressure plate triggering the trap door, you may have to either relocate the trap or place a flat board underneath the trap.After a squirrel has been trapped inside this cage, as a safety precaution, I like to wear thick gloves while carrying this cage and while opening the trap door to release the squirrel. I think that the possibility of getting bitten by a very irritated, frightened, and nervous squirrel is small, but why take the risk? To release the captured animal, the instructions mention to lift the door up and insert a stick or rod through both sides of the trap to prop open the spring-loaded door, and then step away from the trap to let the animal come out. But with all of my trapped squirrels, as soon as I opened the cage door, with my hand still holding the door open, the squirrel would race out through the opening like it was shot out from a cannon :-) They may loiter inside the cage for a few seconds, at most, before they realized that they could now escape. You should always thoroughly wash your hands with soap after handling this cage containing a trapped animal and releasing it. After each squirrel that I trap and release, I take a garden hose fitted with a nozzle and I use a forceful jet of water to wash the cage, and I also hose down the location where I had placed the trap to wash away the small bits of feces poop left by the squirrel. I then reload the washed cage trap with peanut butter bait and set it up again.You should check the cage at least once a day to see if an animal has been trapped. If you live in a cold-weather area during the winter, check the cage once more right before sunset, or before bedtime, to prevent the possibility of leaving a trapped animal sitting in sub-freezing weather overnight. And if you are going on vacation or no one will be able to check the trap once a day, do not leave the trap outside unattended.IMPORTANT: Check your local laws regarding the legality of trapping animals, if you can transport and release a trapped animal or if you have to kill an animal that you trap, and how and where you can release the animal.The laws governing live animal traps vary depending upon where you live, which state or country you live in, whether you live in an urban or rural area, and the particular species of animal that you are dealing with. Some state or city laws require you to obtain a permit to trap live animals, some laws only require a permit if you are going to trap, transport, and release an animal outside of your property, some laws do not allow you to release trapped animals and you have to (quickly and humanely) kill an animal that you trap, some laws forbid you from trapping or killing some species of animals, some laws only allow the killing of wildlife if it poses an immediate threat to your safety, etc, etc. For example, there is a species of woodpecker bird called the northern flicker. A homeowner in my area was previously fined a large amount of money for killing a northern flicker with an air rifle, even though that one specific bird was heavily damaging his home by pecking numerous holes all over the wood of his house. I have read plenty of online postings from people who knowingly violated their local wildlife laws by secretly releasing their trapped squirrels, without letting anyone see them, because they refuse to kill the squirrels that they trap. While those people may be cited/ticketed by authorities for violating their local wildlife laws, I can certainly empathize with their feelings. I have also seen horrible photos online where people submerged a cage containing a trapped animal in a tub of water to kill it. Animal experts now consider drowning and freezing to be inhumane ways to kill an animal. There are opinions stating that transporting and releasing a trapped animal outside of its home range may cause added stress and mortality risk to the animal, or the newly introduced animal may disrupt the existing ecosystem. But many users of live animal traps are morally opposed to being required to euthanize a trapped animal by humane methods such as a gun or air rifle shot to the head or quickly snapping the animal's neck. Before purchasing this animal trap (or before using an air rifle for pest control), you should at least contact your local wildlife department to see whether it is legal or illegal to trap the particular species of animal you are targeting, if and where you can transport and release the trapped animal, and maybe also ask for suggestions of locations where you can bring the trapped animal. After being informed of your local laws, whether you choose to break the rules based on your own personal values and beliefs is up to you.If you are trapping and releasing squirrels, be aware that squirrels (and many animals and birds) can have very good homing instincts to return back to your property within a few days. Release the squirrel at least 5 miles away from where you trapped it; 8+ miles is even better. Do not just walk down your street with the cage and release the trapped squirrel a few blocks away. Put the cage in your car and drive for at least 10 or 15 minutes away from your home to release the squirrel at a park, field, or wooded area.January 2013 update: During three months of using this Havahart cage, I trapped 26 tree squirrels. Although, as mentioned, squirrels can return back to your home if you release them too close to your home, each of my squirrels was driven to areas near a large state park about 10 to 12 miles from my home. So with each trapped squirrel, I drove 30 minutes round-trip and released each squirrel at various wooded areas. It was a hassle to drive each of the 26 squirrels away from my home, but in the end, it was all worth it! While cleaning out my gutters last week, I also discovered how the squirrels were getting into my attic. A small section of flashing that normally covers a corner juncture of my roof had blown away, leaving a small opening where the squirrels were entering my attic to use it as their winter vacation hideaway. I could not see this small roof opening from any window or while standing on the ground, and it was not until I climbed up a ladder that I finally noticed the opening due to missing flashing. So along with trapping 26 squirrels, which included both squirrels living in my attic and other squirrels that came from surrounding areas, I replaced the roof flashing so squirrels can no longer enter into my attic. My attic is now permanently free from all the daily squirrel sounds that I used to hear during the past two winter seasons. :-)If you also have pesky squirrels living in your attic, along with using this cage trap to relocate squirrels, carefully check all areas of your roof to see how the squirrels are getting into your attic. The opening that leads into your attic may be accidentally caused due to structural gaps (which was how my roof had an opening) or squirrels can also chew through shingles and wood to create an opening that leads into your attic. Before you repair and seal the opening though, be very certain that there are no other squirrels still in your attic. If you cover up a roof opening so that squirrels are trapped inside your attic, they can cause great damage by chewing their way through wood or walls in order to escape from your attic. Another risk is if a mother squirrel is living in your attic with babies. Sealing up the roof opening can trap the babies inside your attic where they will all die. Although squirrels can have babies at any time, they usually have two litters during early spring (February through May) and late summer (August through October). So you are far less likely to encounter mother and baby squirrels in your attic during mid-winter and early/mid-summer, and those are great times to seal up any roof openings if you have squirrels living in your attic.

Havahart Medium Professional Style One-Door Animal Trap for Rabbit, Skunk, Mink, and Squirrel - 1078This Havahart Trap #1078 is the best for Squirrels! It is made well. The trigger rods/mechanism are on the outside of the cage, so no damage to trigger rods after catching your prize. The cage is longer, and the location of trigger plate allows room for bait at the back of the trap. Read the directions and the manufacturer web site. Caught the first tree squirrel in 30 minutes. Do not know why this trap is not advertised as a squirrel trap. It says it on the box! I'll ask Amazon & sellers to change descriptions & key word search for this trap.Several cage traps are available on Amazon. Find the right one for your prey. Watched several Y*u T*be videos, browsed vendor sites and read professional web sites to determine the best trap for squirrels. The other traps, which say they are for squirrels, are too small. The squirrels take the bait without setting the trap. The small, single door guillotine traps and the small, double door traps did not work at all. The squirrels took the bait and ran. Also, the traps which have trigger rods resting on each other were too sensitive and scarred the prey away when windy or raining. The collapsible traps were not strong enough and squirrels escaped.THERE IS A NEED TO HAVE THE TRIGGER PLATE ADJUSTABLE FOR YOUR PREY. Everyone has unique way to adjust the sensitivity of the trigger & catch prey. All are clever and work. The duct tape, PVC pipe, rain gutter and tuna can are my favorites! However, I did not want to file, rivet, modify or bend mechanisms to re-build the trap or I would make one from scratch. I ADDED CERAMIC MAGNETS (CHEAP & HEAVY) AND A 4-INCH STAINLESS STEEL MAGNETIC PARTS HOLDER from Harb*r Fre**ht. Amazon sells both. PUT BAIT (RAW PEANUTS, BIRD FOOD, CRITTER MIX & PEANUT BUTTER) IN THE MAGNETIC PARTS HOLDER; PLACE HOLDER (WITH BAIT) BEHIND THE TRIGGER PAN AGAINST THE BACK OF THE TRAP OR VERTICALLY ON THE BACK OF THE CAGE. The magnetic base keeps the bait in place; the prey must stand on the trigger plate to eat. Also, placed a trail of bait leading into the trap. I leaned a piece of peg board over the trap to keep it cool in the shade.THE INDIVIDUAL MAGNETS ARE PLACED ON THE TRIGGER PAN TO ALLOW THE SLIGHTEST PRESSURE TO CLOSE THE CAGE. THE MORE YOU MOVE THE MAGNETS TO THE EDGE, THE LESS PRESSURE FOR THE PLATE TO SLAM THE DOOR! Also, there is a magnet on the inside, top of the cage to make the prey stand up and eat the peanut butter on the magnet. Using magnets on the trigger pan, the trap will not close if the prey jumps on the outside of the cage or if the wind blows.Good Luck!

I had a problem with a squirrel family (mother and 2 young squirrels) lived near our condo - they dug out almost all tulip bulbs we've placed during last couple of years. At the certain point our backyard started to look like a Moon surface - most of the flowers destroyed, craters are everywhere. Very frustrating. I bought this trap a couple of months ago and it did the job - already 6 squirrels were relocated in a forest 10 miles away from our house. Just couple of peanuts on a "trigger" platform - I didn't even bother to create a "leading" path. Now everything is back to normal. Long story short:Pros: Trap that works. There is a metal plate around the handle so you can lift the trap with a squirrel inside without any problems. Sturdy, solid construction. Will work for years.Cons: Actually, only one. There is no "back" door for easier release of animals. You have to open the main door, put a stick in there to prevent it from triggering again when squirrel will try to leave. Even though I never had a problem so far, I am always cautious that angry squirrel might attack me while I am opening this door and trying to fix it with a stick. A back door would be very useful. That is why only 4 stars, not 5.